12 Rules Gibbs Swore By on ‘NCIS’ — And What They Really Mean
Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the legendary NCIS agent played by Mark Harmon, wasn’t just known for his steely gaze, head slaps, and undying love for boats — he had rules. A whole set of them. These weren’t just quirky catchphrases; they were a personal code that guided him and his team through the murky waters of crime-solving and life. Some were deadly serious, others oddly sentimental — but all of them told us something about Gibbs.
Let’s break down 12 of his most iconic rules and what they really meant.
1. Rule #1: “Never let suspects sit together.”
What it means: Don’t give suspects a chance to compare stories or influence each other’s accounts. Separate, they crack faster.
The deeper takeaway: Isolation breeds truth. It’s all about control.
2. Rule #3: “Don’t believe what you’re told. Double-check.”
What it means: No matter how trustworthy someone seems, verify everything.
The deeper takeaway: Trust is earned, not given — especially in the field.
3. Rule #6: “Never apologize — it’s a sign of weakness.”
What it means: Gibbs sees apology as a vulnerability. But fans often question whether this is always true.
The deeper takeaway: It’s more about staying strong under pressure — though emotionally, it may show Gibbs’ difficulty with admitting fault.
4. Rule #7: “Always be specific when you lie.”
What it means: If you’re going to lie (especially undercover), make it believable.
The deeper takeaway: Lies are tools, but they need to be sharp and precise. Vague lies unravel fast.
5. Rule #8: “Never take anything for granted.”
What it means: Assume nothing. Always question, always check.
The deeper takeaway: Complacency is dangerous. Attention to detail saves lives.
6. Rule #9: “Never go anywhere without a knife.”
What it means: Be prepared. Always.
The deeper takeaway: Life is unpredictable, and tools can make the difference between life and death.
7. Rule #12: “Never date a co-worker.”
What it means: Keep personal and professional separate. Always.
The deeper takeaway: Love and duty don’t mix well — at least in high-stakes fields. (And let’s be real: it didn’t stop Tony and Ziva from toeing that line.)
8. Rule #13: “Never, ever involve lawyers.”
What it means: Lawyers complicate things. Gibbs prefers his own form of justice.
The deeper takeaway: It reflects his distrust in bureaucracy and red tape.
9. Rule #15: “Always work as a team.”
What it means: Unity is strength. Trust your partners.
The deeper takeaway: No matter how independent Gibbs acts, he relies deeply on his team — even if he doesn’t say it out loud.
10. Rule #18: “It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.”
What it means: Take the risk, then explain later.
The deeper takeaway: Sometimes justice means bending the rules — ironically.
11. Rule #39: “There is no such thing as coincidence.”
What it means: Everything happens for a reason. Nothing is random.
The deeper takeaway: Intuition matters. And if something feels off, it probably is.
12. Rule #51: “Sometimes — you’re wrong.”
What it means: Even Gibbs, the guy with rules for everything, acknowledges he’s not perfect.
The deeper takeaway: This is perhaps his most human rule. It shows growth, humility, and the wisdom to admit flaws — even when you have a rule against apologizing.
Conclusion: The Philosophy Behind the Rules
Gibbs’ rules weren’t just one-liners for the sake of TV drama. They revealed his worldview — tough, disciplined, and deeply shaped by trauma and loss. Over time, those rules became part of NCIS’s DNA. And while some may seem cold or outdated, others show remarkable insight into human behavior, loyalty, and survival.
FAQs
Q1: Did Gibbs write the rules himself?
Yes. Gibbs created the rules over his career, writing them down in a notebook and living by them.
Q2: How many rules does Gibbs have in total?
There are over 50 known rules, though not all have been revealed. Fans believe some were made up as needed.
Q3: Why is there more than one Rule #1?
Gibbs has different “Rule #1s” depending on context — showing how flexible and situational his code can be.
Q4: Did other NCIS agents follow the rules?
Yes, especially those closest to Gibbs like McGee, Tony, and Ziva. They often quoted or referenced the rules in key moments.
Q5: What’s the most iconic Gibbs rule?
Probably Rule #39 — “There is no such thing as coincidence.” It defines Gibbs’ investigative instinct perfectly.
